CategoryArchaic Word / Spiritual Warning Term
Modern Equivalentextinguish; suppress; put out.
KJV Word TypeVerb
DefinitionTo put out, extinguish, or suppress. In the KJV, it may describe putting out fire or resisting the work and influence of the Spirit.
Key Verses"Quench not the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19); "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Ephesians 6:16)
KJV Usage NoteCan be literal, as in extinguishing fire, or figurative, as in resisting spiritual influence or fiery attacks.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not only mean to satisfy thirst; in KJV usage it often means to extinguish or suppress.
EtymologyFrom Old English cwencan, meaning to extinguish.